:a. Jump feetfirst into water over your head, swim 75 yards/meters in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke,trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards/meters using the elementary backstroke. The 100 yards/meters must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating on your back,

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remaining as motionless as possible. (Refer to the BSA’s Swimming merit badge instruction if you need to improve your swimming strokes.)

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b. Discuss the BSA Safe Swim Defense plan and explain how it is used to

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protect Sea Scouts and other groups during swimming activities.

=== Special Skills ===

=== Special Skills ===

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:5. '''Seamanship:''' Using both large and small lines, tie and explain the use of the following knots: [[square knot]], [[bowline]], [[clove hitch]], [[sheet bend]], [[two half hitches]], [[figure eight]], and [[cleat hitch]]. Demonstrate the ability to use a heaving line.

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:a. '''Seamanship:''' Using both large and small lines, tie and explain the use of the following knots: [[square knot]], [[bowline]], [[clove hitch]], [[sheet bend]], [[two half hitches]], [[figure eight]], and [[cleat hitch]]. Demonstrate the ability to use a heaving line.

::'''''Reference:''''' See "Knots" on page 129 and "Heaving a Line" on page 156.

::'''''Reference:''''' See "Knots" on page 129 and "Heaving a Line" on page 156.

:6. '''Safety:''' Know the basic safety rules for small boats. Know the safety rules that apply to the floating equipment used by your ship, and safety standards in the use of power tools, machinery, lifting heavy objects, and other safety devices used by your ship. Demonstrate the proper use of a personal flotation device such as a life jacket or a life buoy. Be familiar with and be able to list the standard marine distress signals, and demonstrate the procedure to send a VHF distress call.

:6. '''Safety:''' Know the basic safety rules for small boats. Know the safety rules that apply to the floating equipment used by your ship, and safety standards in the use of power tools, machinery, lifting heavy objects, and other safety devices used by your ship. Demonstrate the proper use of a personal flotation device such as a life jacket or a life buoy. Be familiar with and be able to list the standard marine distress signals, and demonstrate the procedure to send a VHF distress call.

Swimming

a. Jump feetfirst into water over your head, swim 75 yards/meters in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke,trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards/meters using the elementary backstroke. The 100 yards/meters must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating on your back,

remaining as motionless as possible. (Refer to the BSA’s Swimming merit badge instruction if you need to improve your swimming strokes.)
b. Discuss the BSA Safe Swim Defense plan and explain how it is used to
protect Sea Scouts and other groups during swimming activities.

6. Safety: Know the basic safety rules for small boats. Know the safety rules that apply to the floating equipment used by your ship, and safety standards in the use of power tools, machinery, lifting heavy objects, and other safety devices used by your ship. Demonstrate the proper use of a personal flotation device such as a life jacket or a life buoy. Be familiar with and be able to list the standard marine distress signals, and demonstrate the procedure to send a VHF distress call.

7. Customs: Demonstrate the proper procedure for boarding a vessel. Demonstrate normal usage of personal courtesy on board a ship.

References: See "Customs and Courtesies" on page 16 and appendix K.

8. Swimming: Swim 75 yards/meters in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards/meters using an easy resting backstroke. After completing the swim, rest by floating. Discuss the Safe Swim Defense Plan with a ship's officer.